‘Desperate’: Hayes says unpopular Trump can’t ‘talk his way out of' this
MSNBC·2025-12-18 02:56

Political Landscape & Presidential Influence - Trump's political support and control over the Republican party are eroding, with approval ratings at 36%, a level that often triggers panic among co-partisans [5][6] - Four Republicans signed a Democratic discharge petition to force a House vote on a three-year extension of insurance subsidies, defying Republican Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump [7] - Multiple successful discharge petitions indicate Trump is on the wrong side of public opinion on key issues and is politically weak [11] Congressional Dynamics & Republican Party - Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledges the challenges of leading with the smallest majority in US history, attributing procedural difficulties to the narrow margin [13][14] - Marjorie Taylor Green believes Trump has lost his grip on the Republican conference and is seeking to oust Johnson [16] - Johnson's role is likened to that of a "mental health counselor," highlighting the need to manage diverse needs within the conference [19] Key Issues & Public Opinion - Americans prioritize the cost of living, particularly healthcare costs, and blame Trump for failing to lower prices as promised [11][12] - Democrats are unified in seeking to lower insurance premiums or prevent them from spiking, while Republicans are divided [12][13] - The cost of healthcare and insurance subsidies are central issues, with a discharge petition aimed at extending subsidies for millions of Americans [7]